Three wards shut by vomiting bug

Three wards have been closed at Stafford Hospital after an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug Norovirus.

Members of the public who have recently experienced sickness or diarrhoea are being asked to stay away from wards.

The warning affects Stafford and Cannock Chase hospitals.

Interim director of nursing Julie Hendry said: "We have had to close wards 6, 7 and 8 to new admissions due to Norovirus. Although we aren't stopping visitors from coming to the hospital, we would ask that members of the public support us in trying to reduce the spread of this infection by not attending either hospital wherever possible.

"To protect our patients we have restricted visiting hours to one hour a day, and two visitors per patient. However, if you feel it is important to visit for longer than this, please speak to the ward sister and we would be happy to accommodate this."

Norovirus is a gastrointestinal infection which spreads very easily from person to person and it can survive for several days in a contaminated area.

There is no specific treatment for the virus, though drinking plenty of water will help prevent dehydration.

People who have had diarrhoea and sickness are advised to allow at least two days after their illness before returning to work.